Ministry to check with EC if teachers ‘forced’ to go for polls briefing

Ministry to check with EC if teachers ‘forced’ to go for polls briefing

The PIBG of a Kajang school had complained that classes were without teachers after they were called to attend an Election Commission briefing.

Education minister Radzi Jidin says he supports the Election Commission’s work, but teachers are needed in their classes.
PUTRAJAYA:
The education ministry will seek further information from the Election Commission (EC) regarding an allegation that teachers were called to attend an election briefing session during school hours.

Education minister Radzi Jidin said the real duty of teachers during school hours was to be in their respective classes.

“I think the EC understands enough about teachers’ duties and responsibilities. It’s just that in this case, I want to check what the context is.

“We support the work of the EC but, at the same time, the real tasks of the teachers are in schools,” he told reporters after launching a sepak takraw programme.

A news portal reported that a Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) representative of a school in Kajang had claimed that the EC “forced” teachers to attend a general election briefing during school hours, causing most of the teachers to miss classes.

“If it is necessary to give a briefing to teachers, then we will detail the time for them to attend the session. This is to ensure that work in school is not interrupted,” Radzi said.

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